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Multifunction information card devices and methodsRelated Patent Categories: Registers, Systems Controlled By Data Bearing Records, Credit Or Identification Card SystemsMultifunction information card devices and methods description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070175983, Multifunction information card devices and methods. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) [0001] This non-provisional application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/760,693 filed on Jan. 19, 2006, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The inventive field relates generally to information card devices and methods. In particular, the inventive field relates to multifunction information card devices and methods. BACKGROUND [0003] Information card devices are generally well known and ubiquitous. A card is used to get out of a parking garage, a credit card is used to buy gas or other purchases, corporate credit cards are used for making certain purchases, "frequent shopper" cards are used to obtain discounts at various restaurants and retailers, ATM cards are used to obtain cash, a card is used to identify yourself at a particular grocery store and obtain preferred prices, and so on. Some cars even require a card device to open the door and start the engine. Further, practically every retailer is constantly offering their own proprietary credit card with attractive discount offers or other incentives. SUMMARY [0004] In view of the numerous card devices used throughout daily life, there exists a need to reduce the number of cards an individual needs to carry with them and keep track of. [0005] There also exists a need reduce or even eliminate the costs in time and money associated with updating and replacing the millions of consumer credit cards, such as Visa.TM., MasterCard.TM., American Express.TM., etc. [0006] A need exists to benefit from an information card device that replaces multiple information card devices. For example, a need exists to benefit from an information card device that has the functionality of multiple information card devices. [0007] Embodiments of the invention may provide an information card device that includes sufficient information storage capacity to remedy such needs. Embodiments may further provide an information card device that includes multiple functionalities. Embodiments may further provide an information card device that is rewritable or programmable, for example, based on user input. [0008] In various possible embodiments, a user may store information related to a plurality of different information card devices on a single card device and select one of the plurality of different information card devices for use as desired. For example, the single card device may function as the selected one of the plurality of different information card devices. [0009] In an example embodiment, an information card device may include an input device, such as a keyboard or a touch screen, that allows a user to input data. Such an input device may allow a user to input data related to specific information stored on the information card device, to input data to select specific information stored on the information card device for use, and/or to store information on the information card device. [0010] In an example embodiment, an information card device may include an information output device, such as a magnetic stripe or a transmitter, that allows the information card device to share information stored on the information card device, for example, to complete a transaction. Such an output device may be configure to only share information stored on the information card device that is selected by a user of the information card device. [0011] Embodiments of the invention may also make it possible to improve security of information card devices. For example, an information card device may include a security device, such as a fingerprint reader or a retinal scanner, that prevents unauthorized access to and/or use of information stored on the information card device. Such a security device may, for example, be used for verification/authorization before certain types of information are accessed/used and/or before certain types of transactions are possible using the information card device. [0012] In an example embodiment, an information card device may include a power supply, such as a battery and/or a photosensitive voltaic cell, that provides power to various components of the information card device. For example, such a power supply may be used to power a storage device, a processor, a display device, an input device, an output device and/or a security device of the information card device. Such a power supply may advantageously be configured to receive power from an information card reader or other interface designed to interact with the information card device, for example, so as to recharge the power supply during normal use of the information card device. [0013] In an example embodiment, an information card device may be configured to be programmed with information and functionality by a separate computer, for example, via the internet. For example, the information and functionality of a particular credit card may be stored on the information card device by downloading from an internet site operated by the particular credit card company. [0014] Where appropriate or desired, embodiments of the information card device may be "smart." For example, the information card device may be configured to sense the nature of a transaction or intended use. For example, if the user is attempting to use the information card device to purchase gasoline, the information card device may sense that the purchase is being made at a particular gas station and may select information stored on the information card device that is associated with the particular gas station, e.g., the user's gas station credit card information, to be used for the transaction. Alternatively or additionally, the information card device may suggest the information to be used to the user prior to selection. [0015] Embodiments of the invention may provide an information card device with various other features and capabilities as described further herein. [0016] Embodiments of the invention may also provide systems and methods for using and/or programming an information card device with such enhanced capabilities. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0017] Various details of the present invention may will be better understood on reading the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments, and on examining the accompanying drawings, in which: [0018] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary information card device; [0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of another exemplary information card device; and Continue reading about Multifunction information card devices and methods... Full patent description for Multifunction information card devices and methods Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Multifunction information card devices and methods patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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